BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for cysteine detection and its applications in food analysis, test strips and biological imaging

The probe BDP-S exhibited short reaction time (10 min), large signal noise ratio (3150-fold), high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 11.2 nM) for detecting Cys. BDP-S has been successfully applied for determination of Cys in different food sample. Besides, the probe was triumphantly used to image intracellular endogenous and exogenous as well as monitor changes of Cys level under H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress . The imaging in mice and zebrafish demonstrated the adaptability of probe BDP-S in vivo . • A BODIPY-based turn-on fluorescent probe for selective detecting Cys was developed. • Probe displayed short reaction time, high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cys. • Probe could quantitatively and qualitatively detect Cys in food samples. • Probe could image Cys and monitor Cys levels change in living systems. Cysteine, as one of semi-essential amino acids, which is absorbed from protein-rich foods and acts considerable role in various physiological processes. Here, we designed and synthesized a BODIPY-based turn-on fluorescent probe BDP-S for detecting Cys. The probe displayed short reaction time (10 min), distinct color response (from blue to pink), large signal noise ratio (3150-fold), high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 11.2 nM) toward Cys. Moreover, BDP-S could not only be used for quantitative determination of Cys in food samples, but also be conveniently deposited on the test strips for qualitative detection of Cys. Notably, BDP-S was successfully used for imaging Cys in living cells and in vivo . Consequently, this work provided a hopefully powerful tool for detecting Cys in food samples and complex biological systems.